July 2nd, 2019

Compostable Bags

The Co-op has been asked if compostable plastic bags are a viable alternative to the standard plastic bags offered in the produce and meat departments. 

For several reasons, compostable bags are not in line with the Co-op’s goals and standards. 

Not compostable at home

Very few if any compostable bags will break down in a backyard composting system. Most require industrial composting equipment, which is not available to Ashland or Medford waste management subscribers. Most brands carry the ASTM D6400 designation, which signifies ‘compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities’ - facilities which are not available in the Rogue Valley. 

Production practices

Many of the bio-plastics and compostable plastics are made from GMO corn, cultivated with non-organic practices that include pesticides and herbicides. 

Arable land to grow packaging instead of food

Food security is already an issue across the country. Devoting land that could grow healthy foods to create single-use packaging instead is not a trade-off that the Co-op supports.

Durability

These single-use bags are weaker and prone to puncture, leading to less re-use and increasing the demand for a single-use replacement. 

The Co-op will continue to research alternatives as new technologies come to market. Until then, we will encourage behavior change at the consumer level through the promotion of affordable, reusable bags. 

More Co-op News

July 25th, 2023

Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program. 

Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.

July 6th, 2023

July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project

Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.

May 24th, 2023

Bicycle Benefits

Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.

May 1st, 2023

May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City

Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!

April 25th, 2023

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.

February 6th, 2023

February's Change for Good partner: OHRA

 

OHRA logo

OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:

November 22nd, 2022

December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center

December's Change for Good Partner is

Rogue Action Center

Rogue Action Center

The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.